The Macduffs

• What is Macduff's character trait that contrasts with Macbeth?

  Honesty and integrity
• How does Macduff react to Duncan's murder?

  He is horrified by it
• What significant event does Macduff avoid?

  Macbeth's coronation
• What does Macduff's absence at Macbeth's coronation suggest?

  He is suspicious of Macbeth
• What motivates Macduff to go to England?

  To persuade Malcolm to help Scotland
• What does Macduff's exclamation "O Scotland, Scotland!" reveal about him?

  His emotional turmoil for his country
• How is Macduff characterized in terms of bravery?

  He fights and kills Macbeth
• What does Macduff free Scotland from?

  The tyranny of Macbeth
• What are the key characteristics of Macduff?

  • Noble
  • A soldier
  • Emotional
• What is the irony in Macduff's statement about "new widows howl, new orphans cry"?

  His family has just been murdered
• How does Macduff express his feelings about Macbeth's rule?

  He shows anger and concern for Scotland
• What does Macduff mean by "My voice is in my sword"?

  He communicates through his actions
• What does Macduff's loyalty to his country signify?

  His strong sense of duty and honor
• What mistake does Macduff make regarding his family?

  He leaves them unprotected in Scotland
• What does Macduff's decision to go to England reveal about him?

  It shows his strong sense of justice
• How does Macduff react upon learning of his family's murder?

  He is overcome with grief and disbelief
• What phrase indicates Macduff's disbelief about his family's fate?

  "All my pretty ones?/Did you say all?"
• How does Macduff's view on emotions differ from other men?

  He sees emotions as part of masculinity
• What motivates Macduff to kill Macbeth?

  To avenge his family and restore rightful heir
• What does Macduff believe will happen until he kills Macbeth?

  His wife and children will "haunt" him
• What does Macduff's decision to leave his family unprotected illustrate about his character?

  His strong sense of justice
• What does Macduff's statement about feeling grief "as a man" imply?

  He values emotional expression as masculine
• How does Macduff's grief influence his actions against Macbeth?

  It drives him to seek vengeance
• What does Lady Macduff think about Macduff's actions?

  She thinks he lacks fatherly love
• What does Lady Macduff mean by "the natural touch"?

  It refers to a father's love and care
• How does Lady Macduff show courage in her interactions with her son?

  By comforting him and calling him "Poor bird"
• What effect does the use of prose have in Lady Macduff's scene?

  It makes the scene feel natural and homely
• How does Lady Macduff's behavior contrast with Lady Macbeth's desires?

  Lady Macduff is caring, while Lady Macbeth is evil
• What does Lady Macbeth say she would do to achieve her desires?

  She would kill her baby
• What are the key themes presented through Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth?

  • Goodness and caring behavior of Lady Macduff
  • Contrast with Lady Macbeth's unnatural desires
  • The impact of maternal instincts on character actions